"Game of Thrones: Reading Order Guide"

Over the past 27 years, George R.R. Martin's *A Song of Ice and Fire* has firmly established itself as a cornerstone of modern fiction. This epic fantasy series has captured the imagination of audiences worldwide through its series of bestselling novels and the groundbreaking HBO adaptation, *Game of Thrones*. The cultural impact of Martin's work continues to thrive, bolstered by the success of the follow-up series, *House of the Dragon*.

With the second season of *House of the Dragon* now available for streaming, it's an ideal time to explore the rich world of Westeros through the original source material. For those new to the *A Song of Ice and Fire* saga and its companion books, this guide will help you navigate the series in chronological order.

Jump to:

• Game of Thrones books in chronological order
• Game of Thrones books by release date
• Upcoming GoT books

How Many Game of Thrones Books Are There in the Series?

George R.R. Martin has published five novels in his A Song of Ice and Fire saga. He is currently working on two more volumes: The Winds of Winter and A Dream of Spring. While fans eagerly await these final books, some have even used AI to speculate on possible endings. However, there remains uncertainty about whether Martin will complete the series himself.

In addition to the main saga, Martin has enriched the universe with several companion works, including three Dunk & Egg novellas (collected in 2015’s A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms), three Targaryen-focused novellas (compiled and expanded in 2018’s Fire & Blood), and a world compendium titled The World of Ice & Fire. More details on these works are provided below.

Game of Thrones Book Sets

For fans who cherish physical books, purchasing a set is a great way to immerse yourself in the world of Game of Thrones. Several sets are available, but the most visually appealing is the leather-bound edition, currently on sale at Amazon.

A Song of Ice and Fire Box Set

Contains the set of 5 books.
$85.00 save 46%
$46.00 at Amazon

How to Read the Game of Thrones Books in Chronological Order

These brief plot summaries are crafted with newcomers in mind and contain only mild spoilers, focusing on broad plot points and character introductions.

1. Fire & Blood

Fire & Blood: 300 Years Before A Game of Thrones

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Fire & Blood, the basis for HBO's House of the Dragon, is a comprehensive history of the Targaryen dynasty's 300-year rule in Westeros. Unlike the A Song of Ice and Fire novels, it is presented as a historical account by Archmaester Gyldayn, who lived at the end of the Targaryen reign into Robert Baratheon's time. The book covers the first 150 years of the Targaryen dynasty, with the second volume expected to cover the remaining years.

Every Dragon in Game of Thrones: House of the Dragon

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Fire & Blood chronicles the lives of six Targaryen rulers, starting with Aegon I Targaryen's conquest of Westeros. It includes the pivotal event known as The Dance of the Dragons, which is the central narrative of House of the Dragon. This book expands on three previously published novellas: The Princess and the Queen (2013), The Rogue Prince (2014), and The Sons of the Dragon (2017). The Rise of the Dragon is a condensed and illustrated version of Fire & Blood.

2. A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms

A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms

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A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms is a collection of three novellas featuring Ser Duncan the Tall (Dunk) and his squire Aegon V Targaryen (Egg). Set roughly 90 years before A Game of Thrones, these stories will also be adapted into the next Game of Thrones TV series. While not essential to the main saga, these novellas offer additional adventures and new perspectives within the Seven Kingdoms. The collection includes The Hedge Knight (1998), The Sworn Sword (2003), and The Mystery Knight (2010).

3. A Game of Thrones

A Game of Thrones

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The inaugural novel of the series, A Game of Thrones, was published in 1996 and introduces readers to the world of Westeros, its regions, families, and characters. Set during Robert Baratheon's reign, it follows the aftermath of Robert's Rebellion and the fall of the Targaryen dynasty, leading into the War of the Five Kings. The narrative is told through alternating points of view, featuring characters like Eddard Stark, Catelyn Stark, Sansa Stark, Arya Stark, Bran Stark, Jon Snow, Tyrion Lannister, and Daenerys Targaryen.

Every IGN Game of Thrones Review

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4. A Clash of Kings

A Clash of Kings

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A Clash of Kings continues the saga, focusing on the ongoing War of the Five Kings. The narrative follows the various kings as they rally their forces, the Lannisters consolidate power in King's Landing, Jon Snow ventures beyond the Wall, and Daenerys navigates the challenges of Essos. The point-of-view characters include Catelyn Stark, Sansa Stark, Arya Stark, Bran Stark, Jon Snow, Tyrion Lannister, Daenerys Targaryen, Theon Greyjoy, and Davos Seaworth.

5. A Storm of Swords

A Storm of Swords

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The third novel, A Storm of Swords, largely concludes the War of the Five Kings, though some conflicts persist. The Stark children face various challenges, Jon Snow explores beyond the Wall, and Daenerys learns to lead. The point-of-view characters are Catelyn Stark, Sansa Stark, Arya Stark, Bran Stark, Jon Snow, Tyrion Lannister, Daenerys Targaryen, Davos Seaworth, Jaime Lannister, and Samwell Tarly.

6. A Feast for Crows

A Feast for Crows

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A Feast for Crows picks up where A Storm of Swords left off and runs concurrently with A Dance with Dragons. It focuses on new and returning characters in King's Landing, the Iron Islands, and Dorne as winter approaches. Due to the book's size, Martin split the narrative into two volumes, with A Feast for Crows covering half the characters. The point-of-view characters include Sansa Stark, Arya Stark, Jaime Lannister, Samwell Tarly, Cersei Lannister, Brienne of Tarth, Aeron Greyjoy, Victarion Greyjoy, Arianne Martell, Asha Greyjoy, Areo Hotah, and Arys Oakheart.

7. A Dance with Dragons

A Dance with Dragons

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A Dance with Dragons brings back the characters absent from A Feast for Crows and continues the story from A Storm of Swords. It covers events parallel to A Feast for Crows but eventually moves beyond them, making it the furthest along in the series' timeline. The point-of-view characters include Jon Snow, Tyrion Lannister, Daenerys Targaryen, Bran Stark, Arya Stark, Theon Greyjoy, Quentyn Martell, Davos Seaworth, Barriston Selmy, Asha Greyjoy, Cersei Lannister, Jaime Lannister, Jon Connington, Victarion Greyjoy, Areo Hotah, and Melisandre.

Bonus: The World of Ice & Fire

The World of Ice and Fire

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The World of Ice & Fire is a comprehensive companion to the A Song of Ice and Fire novels, offering a detailed history of Martin's world from the Dawn Age to the Targaryen reign and Robert's Rebellion. It includes family trees, illustrations, and information on the Seven Kingdoms, the Free Cities, and beyond.

The Iron Throne as depicted by artist Marc Simonetti in The World of Ice & Fire (Image: George R.R. Martin)

How to Read the Game of Thrones Books by Release Date

• A Game of Thrones (1996)
• A Clash of Kings (1999)
• A Storm of Swords (2000)
• A Feast for Crows (2005)
• A Dance with Dragons (2011)
• The World of Ice & Fire (2014)
• A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms (2015)
• Fire & Blood (2018)

Upcoming Game of Thrones Books

A Feast for Crows: The Illustrated Edition

Martin has announced the upcoming release of A Feast for Crows: The Illustrated Edition, set for November 4, 2025. This follows the illustrated edition of the third book.

Out November 4, 2025

A Feast for Crows: The Illustrated Edition

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The Winds of Winter

Martin has two more novels planned for the A Song of Ice and Fire saga: The Winds of Winter and A Dream of Spring. The Winds of Winter will follow A Dance with Dragons and include point-of-view chapters from characters like Tyrion, Cersei, Sansa, Arya, Theon, and Barriston Selmy. Martin has stated that the series will diverge further from the TV adaptation and that The Winds of Winter, despite being "13 years late," remains a priority. He has indicated that the book is 75% complete and will exceed 1,500 pages.

A Dream of Spring

The final book in the series, A Dream of Spring, is yet to be completed and published.

Fire & Blood Volume 2

Martin is also working on the second volume of Fire & Blood, which will cover the remaining 150 years of the Targaryen dynasty.

Future Dunk & Egg Novellas

Martin has expressed interest in writing more Dunk & Egg novellas, though these will not be published until after The Winds of Winter. He has outlined plans for stories set in Winterfell and the Riverlands, tentatively titled The She-Wolves and The Village Hero, respectively. Additional potential titles include The Sellsword, The Champion, The Kingsguard, The Lord Commander, and others.

An HBO series based on the Dunk & Egg novellas, titled A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms, is in development, with Season 1 adapting The Hedge Knight. The series, led by Steve Conrad, is expected to premiere on Max and HBO in late 2025.

For more, check out the best fantasy books reading list or pick up one of the best reading lights.